Health Library

Car Passenger Safety: Car Safety Seats

Each year thousands of children are injured or killed in car crashes. Car safety seats can help keep your infant or toddler safe and secure in your vehicle. But they need to be used correctly. Five important things you can do to keep your child safe are:

Use a car seat every time your child rides in a vehicle—no exceptions.

Have your child ride rear-facing for as long as the car seat allows.

Use your car seat according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Also check your vehicle owner’s manual. Keep both manuals handy for reference.

Always use car seats in the back seat of your vehicle.

Switch to a booster seat when your child outgrows car seats.

Read on for more details about using car seats safely.

Car seat positions

Car seats are either rear-facing or forward-facing. As a rule, children should face the rear of the vehicle for as long as possible. This is the safest position for a child in a car crash. How long a child must face the rear depends on his or her age, size, and weight. Following is more information on car seat positions:

Rear-facing:

Children should ride in rear-facing car seats until they are at least 2 years old, or until they reach the height and weight set by the car seat’s manufacturer.

There are two types of rear-facing seats: infant-only and convertible. Infant-only seats must only be used rear-facing. A convertible seat can be used rear-facing. But it can also be used forward-facing when the child reaches 2 years old, or the height and weight as set by the car seat’s manufacturer.

When used with infants, these seats should be reclined according to the manufacturer’s instructions. This keeps your infant’s head from flopping forward.

The harness should come through the car seat slots located at or below the child’s shoulders. Always follow the car seat manufacturer’s instructions for correct harness placement.

Forward-facing:

These seats can be used for children who are at least 2 years old, or have reached the height and weight set by the car seat's manufacturer.

Many types of seats can be used forward-facing. These include built-in seats, combination forward-facing/booster seats, and travel vests.

The harness should come through the car seat slots located at or above the child’s shoulders. Always follow the car seat manufacturer’s instructions for correct harness placement.

Check for these things to make sure your child is secured safely in a rear-facing car seat. Children should ride in rear-facing car seats until they are 2 years old, or have grown to the highest weight and height for their seat.

Check for these things to make sure your child is secured safely in a forward-facing car seat. Your child can ride in a forward-facing car seat once he or she is over 2 years old, or has grown to the highest weight and height for the rear-facing seat.

Using a car seat safely

Be sure to buy the right car seat for your child:

Be aware that the best seat for your child is one that fits your child’s weight and height. It should also fit properly in your car. Don’t go by price alone.

Try out the seat. Put your child in it and adjust the harnesses and buckles. Make sure it fits your child and your car.

Whichever car seat you buy, make sure it’s one that you will be able to use correctly every time.

Install the car seat correctly:

Make sure the seat doesn’t move more than an inch from side to side where the seat belt goes through the car seat (the belt path).

Read and follow the recommendations in the car seat’s manual. Keep the manual handy at all times.

Never use a car seat that has been in a serious crash. A seat that has been in a minor crash might be OK to use. To find out more, visit www.nhtsa.gov.

Don’t use a used car seat if you don’t know its history.

Never use padding or other products that did not come with your car seat.

Never use a car seat that has been recalled. For information on recalls, contact the manufacturer or the Vehicle Safety Hotline toll-free at 888-327-4236. Also, be sure to fill out the registration form when you purchase your car seat. This will ensure that you are informed of any recalls of that seat.

Find out about the child passenger safety laws in your state online at www.safekids.org.

The LATCH system

LATCH stands for “Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children.” This system allows you to secure a car seat without using a seat belt. LATCH uses two or more sets of small bars (anchors) located in the back seat of the vehicle. It can also use a top tether attachment. Most cars made since September 2002 have LATCH. Your vehicle and your car seat must both be designed to use the system. To find out if you have LATCH, check your vehicle owner’s manual and car seat instructions. Never use LATCH along with a seat belt. Use one or the other.

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